Four Eagle Scouts in one local troop

May 26, 2013

MARIETTA - Four area Boy Scouts have worked hard enough to be named Eagle Scouts.

Justin Bennett, Alexander DeLancey, Nathan Monroe and Wesley Ryder, all members of Troop 200, associated with Sandhill United Methodist Church in Reno, all have completed service projects in the Marietta area.

"Once you become an Eagle Scout, you are looked at a little differently," Troop 200 Scout Master Alan Tubaugh said.

The title indicates the Scout has worked hard and gained a variety of leadership and other skills.

Tubaugh said a Boy Scout advances to Eagle Scout by earning at least 21 merit badges (11 required, 10 of the Scout's choice). The scout then determines a project which must be approved by a committee. The scout then files an application, and the committee continues to monitor the progress on the project. The applicant must answer a series of questions about the project or what scouting has done for him. He also might be asked to demonstrate traditional scout skills, such as tying knots.

Nathan Monroe, a senior at St. Marys High School, said his project involved scraping, pressure washing and painting the Sand Hill United Methodist Church Day Care Center, 725 Sand Hill Road.

Monroe said the most difficult part of the month-long project was having to be a big brother figure to everyone, to get all the materials together and to put it together without making mistakes.

Another challenge, Monroe said, was getting people to show up to help. Some days, he had only his grandmother, Louise Willis, lending a hand. Other days, as many as 13 people would show up.

Monroe said he is proud of his recent Eagle Scout honor.

"I take it as a high honor," he said. "As a man going into the military, I see myself as a success. I am held to a higher standard. As an Eagle Scout, I am seen as a man who has learned from my mistakes, and it shows you can work yourself and with other people at the same time."

He's gotten nothing but positive feedback for the great job he did for the church and the community, Monroe said.

The project of Eagle Scout Justin Bennett, 17, of Marietta, involved a porch with a tin roof and cleaning and staining picnic tables and playground equipment at Reno Christian Church. He also removed weeds from the parking lot and cleaned it.

Bennett said he had the help of 10 to 20 children during the course of the project. The biggest challenge, he said, was keeping the children busy and on task and being mindful of safety when using the power washer and scaffolding.

"An Eagle Scout stands out," he said. "You know how to do different things and different ways to help people."

He said he would plan to do more community service in the future because he helped the church and the members seemed really happy.

During three weekends, Alex DeLancey, 17, with the help of parents and others, cleaned, pressure washed and repainted the dugouts for Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5108. He also repainted the "VFW" lettering using patriotic colors.

The challenge in completing the project was getting people to show up and getting donations, DeLancey said.

"Once (people) know you are an Eagle Scout, (they see) you are responsible," he said.

He also said employers have said they like Eagle Scouts because they know they have developed a work ethic.

Doryl Weinstock, 68, incoming commander for next year, said the VFW was pleased with the results.

"They did a great job," Weinstock said. "They took care of the field and put up new fence."

Wesley Ryder worked on Buckeye Park off Greene Street. He cleared an area near the fishing pond and added wood chips and two benches. Area anglers will have a more comfortable site for fishing.

Wesley said the project took about two weeks to finish with the help of his parents and other members of the troop, despite problems getting materials and plans organized.

"The city also donated mulch," he said.

"He did a great job," said Marietta City Public Facilities Clerk Susie Joyce. "It gives people more room, and they can go on the other side of the pond and fish."

Wesley said he would like to go to college and study computer science. Earning the Eagle Scout award has made him a better person, he said.

"People look up to you and expect more of you since you have that achievement," Wesley said.